#219 European Rank
Rana e Hedhun
Shëngjin, Lezhë, Albania•Adriatic Sea• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Albinfo (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
Day-of-Visit Snapshot
3-Second Operational AnswersEDITORIAL SCORE
4.61/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
25°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€32/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Golden Sand
Gradual Drop
Live Open-Meteo European Feed
Morning Beach Pulse & Marine Telemetry
Wind-Exposed
Calm & Glassy
Exposed to Onshore Surf & ChopCove aspect: Faces W (270°) · Wind: W (270°)
Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility.
Significant Wave Height
...
Optimal Swimming
Swell Profile
...
Reading buoy...
Live Surface Wind
...
W (270°) · ONSHORE
UV & Air Temperature
...
UV 5 · Moderate (SPF 30)
Cove Aspect & Shelter Compass
Seaward Orientation vs. Live Wind DirectionCove Faces W (270°)
Onshore Wind • Waves and surface chop pushed into the beach
Shoreline Facing (θ_aspect)
W (270°)
Open Sea Exposure
Surface Wind Vector
W (270°)
12 km/h · Δθ = 0°
Spatial Geometry: Wind from W pushes unobstructed over the open sea directly onto the W-facing coast, generating breaking chop.
Morning Coastal Brief for Rana e Hedhun: Minimal chop, safe for wading, snorkeling and paddleboarding. Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility. Models update sub-daily via Open-Meteo European marine models.
Interactive Oceanographic Climatology
Seasonal Sea Warmth & Bathing Climatology
30-Year NOAA OISST v2.1 Monthly Normals (1991–2020) · Shëngjin, Lezhë, Albania
Ideal Swimming
Early August
25.0°C
Air ~29°C
Comfortable, prolonged bathing for all ages
Water temperature is well above the 20.0°C bathing threshold. Prolonged leisure swimming, snorkeling, and family wading are comfortable with zero thermal shock.
Drag to scrub 12-month temperature curveEarly August · 25.0°C
| Month | Sea Surface Temp | Air Temp | Thermal Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14.1°C | 15°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| February | 13.5°C | 16°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| March | 13.7°C | 18°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| April | 15.5°C | 21°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| May | 19.0°C | 24°C | Refreshing |
| June | 22.8°C | 27°C | Ideal Swimming |
| July | 24.7°C | 29°C | Ideal Swimming |
| August | 25.0°C | 29°C | Ideal Swimming |
| September | 23.4°C | 27°C | Ideal Swimming |
| October | 21.2°C | 24°C | Refreshing |
| November | 18.9°C | 20°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| December | 16.1°C | 17°C | Crisp & Bracing |
NOAA OISST v2.1 30-year climatological normal (1991–2020).Explore all Albania Sea Temperatures
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Swimmable 31 May – 18 Oct (>21°C) · 139 days
Planning around peak water warmth (25°C)?
Lock in coastal villas and boutique stays near Rana e Hedhun for the optimal June–July–August–September swimming window.
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Quick Summary
Preview
🏖️ Rana e Hedhun (Shëngjin, Lezhë, Albania)
🌊 Water temperature: 25°C
⛱️ Beach access: 70% free public sand • Sunbeds: €12–€25
🧭 Wind & shelter: Faces W (sheltered from E winds)
📍 Guide: https://shores.cc/beach/rana-e-hedhun-al/Tip: Add this beach to your home screen to quickly check morning wind and water conditions before heading out.
EEA Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC
Bathing Water Purity & Statutory Standards
Status: Excellent
Microbial Water Purity
95th-Percentile Compliant
Escherichia coli & intestinal enterococci within statutory limits.
Bathing Directive Tier
Tier 1: Sufficient & Safe
Monitored across the official European bathing season.
Official European Environment Agency (EEA) water monitoring verifies recreational cleanliness, sewage absence, and safety standards across all 31 member and partner coastal nations.
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.7 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.6 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.8 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5
About Rana e Hedhun
A dramatic geological wonder where towering sand dunes plunge straight from pine mountain slopes into the Adriatic.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Reached by coastal road ~3-4 km north of Shëngjin in Lezhë municipality
•Protected Status / Environment: Designated Natural Monument of Albania
•Notable Feature: Rare coastal aeolian geological formation where huge 80m sand dunes cascade directly down the slope of Mount Renc into the Adriatic Sea
Sand Transparency & Sunbed Index
Public sand quota, private lido density, and legal towel placement rights
Balanced Concession Mix
Free Public Sand (70%)Private Concessions (30%)
2-Sunbed + Umbrella Set Rate
€12low season→€25August peak
Daily set (2 loungers + umbrella). Front-row loungers may command premium surcharges.
Towel Bather Guidance
Regulated municipal umbrellas alongside spacious free public sectors. Ample towel space available.
Legal Shoreline Rights: Municipal regulations mandate open public sectors alternating between private beach lounge concessions.
Arrival Logistics, Parking & Sun Exposure
Micro-logistics, parking payment taxonomy, and topographic shadow schedules.
Parking Payment & Rates
Free Parking
Free Verge / Unpaved Roadside
Follow local municipal parking signage to avoid fines during summer peak hours.
Sun Exposure & Cliff Shadows
Morning Shade • Late Afternoon Golden Hours
Faces westward into the open horizon, offering bright afternoon sun and prime sunset vantage points.
Footwear & Karst Protection
Unnecessary (Soft Natural Sand)
Fine powder or golden sand allows comfortable barefoot wading into shallow depths.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
YesShowers
YesFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
YesDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
YesSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
YesNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
YesSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Drive 4 km north of Shëngjin port along the newly paved coastal scenic road.
Discreet Utility: Rough Road & Trail Access
Reaching Rana e Hedhun involves dirt tracks or steep trails. Booking a rental SUV or 4x4 provides higher clearance for unpaved coastal roads.
•Climb to the crest of the sand dune for an unbroken panoramic view across the entire Gulf of Drin.
•A wooden boardwalk connects the pine forest parking area directly to the beach edge.
•Home to UNUM Festival — acclaimed 24/7 non-stop underground house and techno festival set directly against the Mediterranean pine forest and giant sand dunes.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
TIA · 40m driveDirect dual-carriageway access from Tirana Airport (TIA) with local car rentals or express shuttles.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Rana e Hedhun?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rana e Hedhun
What is the water temperature at Rana e Hedhun?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Rana e Hedhun averages 25°C (77°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Rana e Hedhun?
Rana e Hedhun is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in Shëngjin, Lezhë, Albania.
Is Rana e Hedhun good for families with kids?
Yes, Rana e Hedhun is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.
Are there parking and facilities at Rana e Hedhun?
Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.
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